I've been on Arimidex for 4 yrs 3 months. My experiences, that I am aware of, are hot flashes, and I think my body skin is really dry now, but that could be thyroid. Some things I continue to experience, but I do not believe they are related to arimidex is "stinging" of nerves, occasional numbness of little finger, and I really seem to be a little depressed at times, but that might be because of other circumstances in my life.Some women have a really difficult time, but not me. Good luck, think positive, and my Doc prescribed Paxil for the hot flashes. It is winter now, so I don't need it.

I have read about side effects and wondered if anyone on Arimidex was having any other than hot flashes.What worries me is fatigue, nausea and depression.

I won't mind the hot flashes too much, recently recovered from Lyme Disease and am cold all the time...so heat will be welcome.

As for depression I cannot handle anti drugs.When I had Lyme I was given Paxil and in just a few days I thought I was losing my mind. I wasn't really depressed, just down about being so sick don't even know why it was prescribed and that drug almost pushed me over the edge. Also tried Wellbutrin, same thing happened.

As for dry skin you may be right about thyroid, common problem it seems.

The stinging of nerves and numbness in your little finger is not mentioned in side effects of Arimidex, but who knows it could be a rare one. We surely don't all have the same reactions.

I so glad you shared your hormome therapy experience with me it took away a lot of my anxiety. I kept thinking how was I going to take a pill everyday for five years if it made me sick I was sure I would give up and take my chances. Even my doctor said the only side effect I will have is hot flashes. I can handle that........

JaneThe greatness of a nation is judged by the way it treats its animals.

I started on Femara, but switched to Arimidex. Less side effects. I have hot flashes and body aches, which seem to be getting worse. But, I have maybe 6 months left to be on it. The problem lately is the pain keeps me from sleeping well. As for dry skin, you bet I have it. Dry other places, too! LOL I think that is a menopause thing.

Kathy, so glad to hear your almost finished Arimidex and that it has less side effects than Femara. Did you have MRI's and mammograms done while under treatment?

I'm through menopause and didn't have much trouble with hot flashes so maybe I won't with Arimidex. The body aches I have no idea about that. Will all this stop when you go off hormone therapy? and do they ever extend therapy? How about a scan for osteoporosis, did they do that?

Didn't have any dryness anywhere during menopause. Haven't started radiation, but will be scheduling tomorrow. Did you have a problem burning and/or blistering?

Good luck to you too and congrats for getting to your five year anniversary.

I've had CT's and mammos as follow ups. Also, bone scans and bone density to check for osteoporosis, as this is affected by these meds. I am certainly hoping the aches and hot flashes go away. I see my onc next week and will discuss the aches in more depth with her. It's affecting my sleep now.

Sometimes the hormone therapy can be extended. Not sure about my case yet. As for radiation, I had no burning or blistering. The area got red, but not that bad. I am very fair skinned, too, so I was expecting the worst, but got the best.

Good luck with your remaining treatments. Everyone is different. I hope you are one of the lucky ones.L & H,

Hi All, I am usually on the fibro site but noticed your posting about estrogen suppliments.I tried the estrogen patch many years ago and found the glue from it ate my skin. Itstarted itching so I took off the patch and my skin went with it. I have found blue orblack cohash work well for the menopose things. Soy isoflavens work well too. Vit Ehelps with the hot flashes. For your dry skin I have found a God Send.....Colostrum and Hylaronic Acid. I use thesetogether everyday. Colostrum is bovine breast milk in a pill (also comes in goats for thoselactose intollerent) and Hylaronic Acid is a trace mineral found in Japanese food. I've beenusing these for years and no longer are plagued by dry skin. It becomes thicker, moreelastic, and heals quickly. I also noticed a real nice shine to it. I've had quite a few commentsover the years how nice my skin looks. I'm 55 and have to admit I don't look it. I do Super Cissus RX, Malic Acid and Bio-Sil for my arthritis and fibro. I can now workan 8 hour day without problems. 8 months ago I could barely hobble through. There are herbs to help counter-act the effects of chemo. I don't remember offhand butcheck it out. Good Luck to all of you... Nana Monster